The latest Maui lodgings have to offer

Published 9:00 pm, Thursday, August 23, 2012

The developer of Honua Kai, a luxury condo resort on Kaanapali Beach, is currently offering to pay for the stay of guests who decide to buy during their trip.

The developer of Honua Kai, a luxury condo resort on Kaanapali Beach, is currently offering to pay for the stay of guests who decide to buy during their trip.

Photo: Honua Kai

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The luxury condos of Honua Kai, the first full-ownership resort built on Kaanapali Beach in 25 years, include this ocean-view pool, seen at dusk.

The luxury condos of Honua Kai, the first full-ownership resort built on Kaanapali Beach in 25 years, include this ocean-view pool, seen at dusk.

Photo: Honua Kai

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The 24 guest rooms and suites at the new Lumeria Maui in Paia reflect the plantation-era origins of the former Baldwin estate while incorporating modern amenities.

The 24 guest rooms and suites at the new Lumeria Maui in Paia reflect the plantation-era origins of the former Baldwin estate while incorporating modern amenities.

Photo: Lumeria Maui

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East meets West at the new Lumeria Maui retreat in Paia, which includes the beautifully restored 1909 Baldwin mansion and offers wellness programs including yoga and meditation.

East meets West at the new Lumeria Maui retreat in Paia, which includes the beautifully restored 1909 Baldwin mansion and offers wellness programs including yoga and meditation.

Photo: Lumeria Maui

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Free yoga sessions are part of the daily offerings at the new Lumeria Maui, which describes itself as a luxury educational retreat.

Free yoga sessions are part of the daily offerings at the new Lumeria Maui, which describes itself as a luxury educational retreat.

Photo: Lumeria Maui

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The new Courtyard by Marriott in Kahului celebrated its grand opening last month with hula and a traditional Hawaiian blessing. It's about a mile from the airport, and offers surfboard storage for those hitting the waves in Paia and other nearby beaches.

The new Courtyard by Marriott in Kahului celebrated its grand opening last month with hula and a traditional Hawaiian blessing. It's about a mile from the airport, and offers surfboard storage for those hitting

Although it's in a prime place for business travelers to Maui, the new Courtyard by Marriott in Kahului offers a few resort-style amenities, such as an outdoor pool with firepit and cabanas.

Although it's in a prime place for business travelers to Maui, the new Courtyard by Marriott in Kahului offers a few resort-style amenities, such as an outdoor pool with firepit and cabanas.

Photo: Jeanne Cooper, Special To SFGate

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You don't have to be a guest at the Grand Wailea on Maui, renowned for its elaborate spa and pool complex, to enjoy its latest attraction, a water ride known as the Fishtrap. A 90-second spin is the equivalent of a mile-long slide down a water slide with a top speed of 11 feet per second, according to the hotel, which also claims to be the first resort in the world to offer it.

You don't have to be a guest at the Grand Wailea on Maui, renowned for its elaborate spa and pool complex, to enjoy its latest attraction, a water ride known as the Fishtrap. A 90-second spin is the equivalent

Travaasa Hana, formerly the Hotel Hana-Maui, has increased the number of daily cultural and recreational activities at the resort, many of them included in the room rates. An activity board helps guests put dibs on what they want to experience during their stay, since many are limited to a handful of participant in keeping with the intimate nature of the hotel.

Travaasa Hana, formerly the Hotel Hana-Maui, has increased the number of daily cultural and recreational activities at the resort, many of them included in the room rates. An activity board helps guests put

A Travaasa Hana employee introduces two young guests to the basics of throw-net fishing. Many of the employees of the former Hotel Hana-Maui are Native Hawaiians with deep roots in Hana or nearby Kipahulu.

A Travaasa Hana employee introduces two young guests to the basics of throw-net fishing. Many of the employees of the former Hotel Hana-Maui are Native Hawaiians with deep roots in Hana or nearby Kipahulu.

Photo: Jeanne Cooper, Special To SFGate

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The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is offering special "Legacy of Aloha" packages to celebrate its 20th anniversary in October, including 20 percent off certain rooms and other discounts.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is offering special "Legacy of Aloha" packages to celebrate its 20th anniversary in October, including 20 percent off certain rooms and other discounts.

Photo: Jeanne Cooper, Special To SFGate

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Kaanapali Alii chef Michael Barry is at the resort's beachfront gas barbecue grills from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, offering cooking tips and a variety of rubs, Maui pineapple sauce and marinades to guests of the resort.

After preparing dinner beachside with the help of the new complimentary Grill Master service, Kaanapali Alii guests can enjoy it from their balconies, many with a sunset view toward Lanai.

After preparing dinner beachside with the help of the new complimentary Grill Master service, Kaanapali Alii guests can enjoy it from their balconies, many with a sunset view toward Lanai.

Photo: Jeanne Cooper, Special To SFGate

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The latest Maui lodgings have to offer

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As families send their children back to school, Hawaii hoteliers have to be a little creative to fill their rooms. But those on Maui won't have to worry so much about how their guests will get there: Starting Oct. 3, Hawaiian Airlines will increase its nonstop flights from Oakland and San Jose to year-round daily service — an annual addition of some 90,000 seats. Inter-island travelers will also have more frequent options this fall, thanks to Go! Airlines' recently expanded jet service from Honolulu and (as of Sept. 7) Kauai to the Valley Isle.

For those tempted by low autumn airfares — currently under $400 from the Bay Area — here's a look at some special attractions and discounts being offered by hotels and resorts around Maui. We'll start with North Maui, home to two new — and very different — accommodations.

North Maui

Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport: Only on Maui would the opening of an airport hotel with "specials" of $169 a night be news, but the fact is that leisure as business travelers may appreciate the option of high-quality, standardized lodgings (i.e. not an unlicensed B&B or '70s-era motel) close to windsurfing in Paia and sightseeing in Iao Valley, with easy access to Upcountry Maui and the Hana Highway. The 138-room Courtyard, across the road from the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, also offers a resort-style pool with fire pit and cabanas, plus surfboard storage.

Lumeria Maui: The North Side's other new kid on the block provides an altogether different ambience. The restored 1909 neocolonial-style hotel in Paia — a national historic landmark that was formerly the residence of the Baldwin sugarcane magnates — is now a six-acre "luxury educational retreat" with 24 exquisitely furnished guest rooms, daily yoga and meditation, water sports directed by North Shore legends such as Buzzy Kerbox and Suzie Cooney, and a variety of wellness and cultural programs. Not surprisingly, locally grown and organic food are the focus of the on-site restaurant. Introductory rates start at $299 a night.

Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono: The faithfully restored 1924 building, known as the "Queen of Old Wailuku," marks its 15th anniversary as a bed-and-breakfast next month, with a special poi supper and celebration planned for Sept. 22. Rates at the seven-room inn, which has an additional three rooms in the Vagabond's House, start at $165 a night (two-night minimum.)

East Maui

Travaasa Hāna: The East Side's serene oasis, formerly the Hotel Hāna-Maui, continues to expand its wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities, many of which are included in the room rates. The new, free stand-up paddle boarding adventure takes a small group to Hana Bay for an invigorating core workout with views of the black sand beach and tropical foliage on shore. Guests can also learn about the tradition of throw-net fishing with a local guide, who starts the lesson at the resort and then lets students try their hand in Hana Bay; it's also free — just remember to sign up at the activity board. Inclusive rates star at $425 per person, a la carte at $200, based on double occupancy, with discounts for longer stays.

West Maui

Sheraton Maui: Iconic Black Rock (Pu‘u Keka‘a in Hawaiian ) is a snorkeler's paradise, but it helps to know how to behave in paradise, as well as what you might see there. The resort now offers its guests a free weekly marine talk and tour, led by a Maui Ocean Center naturalist , about proper beach and reef etiquette, fish identification and other tips. Called "It's a Honu World" — a play on the Hawaiian word for sea turtles, which are also often spotted around the lava outcropping — the hourlong tour takes place at noon Mondays.

Kā‘anapali Ali‘i: The oceanfront gas grills and picnic lanai in this upscale condo complex have always been popular, but now novice chefs have a new incentive to try them out. Chef Michael Barry is on hand from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday to offer cooking tips and share marinades, rubs and Maui pineapple sauce. They're complimentary, as are use of herbs from the garden and a barbecue chest with plates, utensils, napkins and foil. (Also appetizing: the dazzling sunsets.)

Honua Kai: You know how it is — you stay someplace nice and start dreaming about moving there. For those who have the wherewithal to make that a reality, these luxury condos — some with lanais as large as 3,200 square feet — now offer a "Stay and Play" deal: If you decide to buy, your vacation stay is free. Prices start at $494,900 for one-bedroom, mountain-view units (620 square feet, plus a 165-square-foot lanai); the same unit rents for $249 a night in September (plus $25 resort fee.)

Hyatt Regency Maui: For those still traveling with kids this fall, the Hyatt Free Time package offers one free night with a four-night minimum stay and free breakfast for two, bookable by Nov. 30 for stays through Dec. 30 (use code FRTIME when reserving online). Foodie families may also enjoy the new "For Kids by Kids" menu, a three-course organic option developed by Alice Waters, or the sushi school ($35 a person), which all educate guests about local farms and seafood providers.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: The opulent resort will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October, having opened its doors after a protracted battle with Native Hawaiians who wanted ancient burial sites protected. The hotel was eventually relocated, and has become a gracious host to many Hawaiian cultural celebrations. "Legacy of Aloha" packages offer 20 percent discounts on nightly rates and other savings, starting at $415 a night, Sept. 1-Dec. 18.

South Maui

Grand Wailea: Teenagers whose parents can afford the splurge will find plenty of distractions at this quasi-theme park of a resort, including "The Spot," a new addition to Camp Grande for ages 13 to 17 only. It includes a karaoke lounge, games such as Xbox 30 Kinect and Rock Band, and a sports lounge, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Ages 5 and up may also enjoy the Fishpipe, which debuted earlier this year. The tumbling water attraction simulates going down a mile-long water slide in just 90 seconds; it's also available to those who aren't guests for $15 a ride.

Fairmont Kea Lani: Led by Jonelle Kamai, the resort's newly expanded Hawaiian cultural programs include free activities such as the one-hour Hawaiian canoe experience, offered weekdays starting at 6 a.m. (it fills up quickly, so reserve in advance), a 45-minute walking tour at 9 a.m. Wednesdays; and an hourlong "talk story" session about the Hawaiian language at 9 a.m. Thursdays. Its free summer Aloha Friday concert series featuring Institute of Hawaiian Music students wraps up Aug. 31 with slack-key star George Kahumoku Jr.

Makena Beach & Golf Resort: The recently revitalized dining scene here has two new happy-hour options. From 5:30 to 6: 30 p.m., the Molokini Bar & Grill serves specialty cocktails and appetizers inspired by the resort's on-site gardens, such as a Molo-Rita with fresh basil, lime and housemade ginger syrup and shrimp kebabs with lilikoi butter. Up by the links, Cafe on the Green now offers specials from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m daily, including $5 mai tais and $4 draft beers. Meanwhile, the new kiawe wood-burning oven at the Makena Pool Bar & Grill is turning out pizzas, calzones, bruschetta and rotisserie chicken.

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